organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and properties are largely determined by their function in the whole
The nation is not merely the sum of individual citizens at any given time, but it is a living organism, a mystical body … of which the individual is an ephemeral part …—
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Rossi2
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of parts or organs more or less separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
a multicellular organism
Examples of organism in a Sentence
A human being is a complex organism.
Recent Examples on the Web
That's how organisms survive when conditions won't stabilize.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
When blooms expand, more carbon is removed from surface waters and eventually transported into deeper layers of the ocean as organisms die or are consumed.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
From the pigment that lets squid and octopuses shift color for camouflage to the chemical compounds produced by corals and their microbial partners, these molecular signals help organisms survive and adapt.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Those conducting research on ocean organisms that could be used commercially, such as for new medicines, must notify other countries and share their findings.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for organism
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Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
When blooms expand, more carbon is removed from surface waters and eventually transported into deeper layers of the ocean as organisms die or are consumed.
—New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026
From the pigment that lets squid and octopuses shift color for camouflage to the chemical compounds produced by corals and their microbial partners, these molecular signals help organisms survive and adapt.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Those conducting research on ocean organisms that could be used commercially, such as for new medicines, must notify other countries and share their findings.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for organism
Cite this Entry
“Organism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organism. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
1
: something having many related parts that function together as a whole
2
: an individual living thing that carries on the activities of life by means of organs which have separate functions but are dependent on each other : a living person, plant, or animal
Medical Definition
organism
noun
or·gan·ism
ˈȯr-gə-ˌniz-əm
: an individual constituted to carry on the activities of life by means of organs separate in function but mutually dependent : a living being
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